U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.7 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Business Development in Vicksburg, Michigan

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.7 million American Rescue Plan grant to the village of Vicksburg, Michigan, to upgrade its wastewater treatment system to increase capacity for business expansion and commercial development. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will help create and retain jobs by supporting the development of two commercial lots in Vicksburg’s Industrial Business Park and a 100-acre industrial-zoned lot, in addition to the redevelopment of a former paper mill facility. The EDA investment will be matched with $6.9 million in local funds and is expected to create 200 jobs, retain 150 jobs and generate $100 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to build a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide critical infrastructure that will help attract private investment and create jobs in Vicksburg.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support locally-driven strategies to boost business recovery efforts in Michigan,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The upgrades to Vicksburg’s wastewater treatment system that will be supported by this EDA grant will create new and exciting opportunities for the village and the region.”

“This grant from the Economic Development Administration will help Vicksburg upgrade its water infrastructure, creating and retaining 350 jobs and generating $100 million in private investment,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s investment will build on our efforts to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and invest in every region of Michigan.”

“This funding will not only allow Vicksburg to make critical upgrades to its wastewater treatment system, but also expand their capacity for business and commercial development and generate further investment in the community,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to help secure this funding through the American Rescue Plan and will continue working to support new and innovative opportunities for growth in communities throughout our state.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.